What might be offensive to many – those “weeds” in unmown areas have a lot of value not only to wildlife but humans too. It was Ralph Waldo Emerson who said “What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not been discovered.” Milkweed is one example of a common plant that serves many purposes. Perhaps its virtues have been, and continue to be discovered.
image: wikimedia.org
According to ScienceDaily:
“Common milkweed is the only food source of monarch butterfly caterpillars. But for some farmers, the plant is also a valuable source of floss that can be harvested for use as a hypoallergenic filler for high-end pillows, comforters and jacket linings.“
flickr photo: Monarch Butterfly caterpillar on common milkweed uploaded by NatureFreak07
In studies at the ARS National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria, Ill., Harry-O’kuru devised a procedure for using zinc chloride to catalyze the conversion of milkweed oil’s triglycerides into ultraviolet (UV)-light-absorbing compounds called cinamic acid derivatives. HUH?
What this means is Common Milkweed can be used to make sunscreen. Harry-O’kuru’s milkweed-oil-based sunscreen also contains natural antioxidants such as tocopherols, which are often added to cosmetics as skin-nourishing ingredients.
The sunscreen’s unique combination of fats and waxes may also qualify it as biodegradable and help keep it from washing off during a swim. Its current form is a clear liquid, but gels, creams, sticks and aerosol sprays are also possible, according to Harry-O’kuru.
Read full article at ScienceDaily.com >>>
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